Fisheries and Aquaculture Journal
Open Access

Abstract

Design Characteristics and Specifications of Cast Net Operated Along the Lower Stretches of Vembanad Wetlands

Ajay VS* and Krishnan AR

Cast net (Locally called veesu vala) design variation, operational techniques, catch composition and selectivity analysis in vembanad wetland, Kerala was examined between June 2020 to April 2021. Netting materials used for cast net construction in vembanad Lake were monofilament, multifilament Nylon (polyamide). The cast net length was 4-5 m and net mouth area was 2.5-5.0 m². Cast net was somewhat species specific and showed selectivity for shallow water species. Its durability ranged from 3.5 months to 3 years depending on the netting material and the environmental conditions where it is being operated. Cast net fishery is one of the main type of artisanal fishery practiced occupationally by the fishermen community of Kerala. The region so far is untouched with the introduction of mechanized fishing apart from small traditionalized improvements. The cast net was used to catch the fishes of marketable size, small fingerlings which were either used as bait or dried.

Published Date: 2021-05-24; Received Date: 2021-05-03